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Following the Flock: David joins Blue Jay teammates at MBU
CHARLESTON, M0. — Charleston may boast a trophy case overflowing with basketball gold, but a gridiron pipeline is quietly flowing to the Missouri Baptist University.
This summer, Charles David becomes the latest Blue Jay standout to make the jump to college football, joining former teammates Lane Morrow and Rommie Turner on the St. Louis campus.
David's high school career showcased his versatility, earning him all-conference, all-district, and all-region honors as a two-way lineman. While his ability to disrupt opposing offenses was undeniable, it's his skills as an offensive lineman that particularly caught the eye of the MBU coaching staff.
“[David] is a really talented player who moves well,” said MBU head coach Jason Burianek. “He stood out to us as an offensive lineman, which is such a crucial position at all levels of football. He's got the size and athleticism we covet and we think he’ll be a good fit for us.”
Burianek pointed to Tanner Ray, a recent Spartan graduate who earned First Team All-HAAC South O-Lineman honors and helped anchor the league’s third-ranked rushing attack in 2023, as a prime example of the talent coming out of Charleston.
"We've been fortunate to get some good players from Charleston," Burianek said. "They're hard-working kids, the kind who might get overlooked because of the town's basketball reputation, but our staff has done a great job finding those diamonds in the rough. They've been fantastic additions to our program."
David may not be suiting up alongside Ray this fall, but he's ready to embrace the challenge of proving himself and adding another chapter to Charleston's growing football legacy at MBU.
“I knew from the first time I stepped on campus that it would be my new home,’ David said. "The way everyone welcomed me, from the head coach to the players, made it clear that this was where I was meant to be. Seeing a couple of my guys from back home already on the squad? That was the cherry on top.”
For David, the allure of college football extends beyond the field. It's about the camaraderie, the shared pursuit of a common goal, and the enduring bonds forged through competition.
"Football isn't just about touchdowns and tackles," David said. "It's about the brotherhood you build, the connections that last a lifetime. That's the most rewarding part of this whole journey."
That connection with his Charleston teammates isn't just about shared memories. It's a source of motivation for David as he sets his sights on making an impact at the collegiate level.
"I'm excited to see how far we can take this connection at the next level," he said. “This isn't just about playing together again; it's about showing everyone what we're capable of when we're on the same field.”
David's reputation in Charleston extends far beyond his stats on the field. He's remembered as the one who always went the extra mile, the teammate who never hesitated to lend a hand, and the quiet leader who commanded respect through actions, not words.
"Always the hardest worker in the weight room or on the field," said Charleston coach Justin Hutchings. "He'd go out of his way to pick up teammates and bring them to practice. He's a natural leader, and that's going to serve him well at the next level."
Hutchings isn't known for coddling his players. His no-nonsense style is designed to forge mental toughness, a trait he believes is crucial for success at the next level.
"I don't sugarcoat things," Hutchings said. "My guys understand expectations and I tell them everything they will experience even if they don’t want to hear it. It's the mental game that separates the good from the great, and David's got the mindset to thrive."
That mental fortitude, honed under Hutchings' demanding tutelage, will be tested as David faces the rigors of college football. But if his past is any indication, he's more than ready to meet the challenge head-on.
"Being comfortable is important with kids nowadays," Hutchings said. "Missouri Baptist has been a good fit for our guys because it’s got that same family atmosphere. It's a place where they can continue to grow, both as players and as young men."
The countdown is on as August 31 marks a pivotal moment — not just the start of a new season, but the beginning of David's collegiate football journey.